On Thursday, former five-star recruit and redshirt freshman quarterback Gunner Kiel, asked Notre Dame for permission to transfer from the university. After hearing this news, I would be lying if I said I was surprised. Kiel's recruiting process and commitment to Notre Dame was well documented. He was originally committed to Indiana, then switched to LSU before ultimately choosing Notre Dame at the last minute. Through all the hesitation, it was obvious that Kiel had no clue as to where he wanted to play his collegiate ball.
For Notre Dame, it is never a good thing to lose a talented quarterback, but it shouldn't be a major blow. Last season, redshirt freshman Everett Golson was able to help lead Notre Dame to an undefeated regular season. While it was not pretty during the first half of the season, Golson really improved his play during the final weeks of the season. After being replaced by Tommy Rees on several occasions, most notably versus Purdue, Michigan, and Stanford, Golson helped lead the Irish to a big victory at Oklahoma and a comeback win versus Pittsburgh. With having a full season of experience and showing signs of tremendous potential, it has become apparent that Golson will be Brian Kelly's quarterback for potentially the next three seasons. In addition, incoming four-star freshman Malik Zaire will redshirt this season. With Golson under center for the foreseeable future and Zaire waiting in the wings, Notre Dame could afford to lose a player like Kiel. Unfortunately things did not work out, but sometimes that is the nature of recruiting and college football.
For Gunner Kiel, it is certainly understandable why he would want to transfer. For any high-profile recruit, their dreams and goals probably extend beyond playing college football. Kiel does not want to sit on the bench for three years and only play his senior season. By transferring, Kiel will most likely be able to start for up to three seasons at a smaller school after he sits out a year for transferring. After the news broke that Kiel was set to transfer, reported landing spots were Ball State, Miami of Ohio, Northern Illinois, and Cincinnati. By going to any of those schools, Kiel would undoubtedly become their most talented quarterback and should have plenty of opportunities for playing time beginning in 2014. Hopefully this will work out well for Gunner Kiel and wish him the best of luck in the future.
-Eric Tichelbaut
Follow me on Twitter @etichel07
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